The administration of Union Territories (UTs) in India is distinct from that of states and involves a unique administrative structure. The governance and administration of UTs are primarily overseen by the President of India, acting through an Administrator or Lieutenant Governor. The specifics can vary based on the constitutional provisions, legal frameworks, and administrative arrangements for each UT.
- Administrator or Lieutenant Governor:
- Each Union Territory is headed by an Administrator or Lieutenant Governor, who is appointed by the President of India. The choice between the titles “Administrator” and “Lieutenant Governor” depends on the specific circumstances and historical background of each UT.
- Powers and Functions:
- The Administrator or Lieutenant Governor acts as the Chief Executive of the Union Territory and represents the President in the administration of the UT.
- They have the authority to promulgate ordinances on behalf of the President during the recess of the Legislative Assembly (if applicable).
- In states with a Legislative Assembly, the Administrator or Lieutenant Governor can summon, prorogue, and dissolve the Legislative Assembly, and they give assent to bills passed by the Assembly.
- Legislature (if applicable):
- Some Union Territories have a Legislative Assembly, while others do not. In UTs with a legislature, the administrative structure is more akin to that of a state, with a Chief Minister and Council of Ministers.
- The Lieutenant Governor (or Administrator) presides over the Legislative Assembly and ensures its smooth functioning. However, the real executive authority rests with the Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister.
- Council of Ministers (if applicable):
- In Union Territories with a Legislative Assembly, there is a Council of Ministers led by a Chief Minister. The Council of Ministers is responsible for day-to-day governance and policy decisions.
- The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly and can be questioned and removed through a vote of no-confidence.
- Delhi: Special Case:
- Delhi, the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT), has a unique administrative structure. It has a Legislative Assembly, a Chief Minister, and a Council of Ministers. However, the Lieutenant Governor has a more significant role in Delhi compared to other UTs.
- The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi has certain powers, such as referring matters to the President, in cases where there is a difference of opinion between the Lieutenant Governor and the Council of Ministers.
- Financial Administration:
- The financial administration of Union Territories is managed through budgetary allocations from the Central Government. The Union Territories do not have their own sources of revenue like states.
- Central Government’s Oversight:
- The Union Territories are directly administered by the Central Government, and the President has the authority to intervene in matters of governance, especially in case of a breakdown or differences between the Lieutenant Governor and the elected government.
- Independent UTs:
- Some Union Territories, like Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, do not have Legislative Assemblies. In these cases, the Administrator or Lieutenant Governor directly oversees the administration without a locally elected legislative body.
The administration of Union Territories, therefore, involves a balance between the autonomy granted to locally elected governments and the oversight exercised by the Central Government through the Administrator or Lieutenant Governor. The specific administrative arrangements can vary based on the constitutional and legal provisions applicable to each Union Territory.
